The 2008-09 Argyle Eagles basketball team has a lofty pre-season ranking according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. The Eagles are ranked fourth in Class 3A.
Coach John King when asked about the pre-season poll said “Pre-season state rankings are nice for our players and our parents. They show that there are coaches and sports writers out there that have come to respect your program. However, state rankings early in the year don’t really mean that much – other than placing a large bullseye on your back for your opponents to shoot at each night.”
That respect has come hard earned for the Eagles with undefeated district championships and trips to the regional semi-finals in back to back seasons. The Eagles graduated seven seniors last year but will have All-State point guard Caden Dickerson returning with five senior lettermen. King said “We have good senior leadership on this year’s team and will call on our seniors extensively for their leadership throughout the season.
The seniors include forwards Zach Pearson, Brady Brown and Michael Mead, shooting guard Carson York, and guard Matt Moore. The Eagles have added move-in Walter Phillips a 6’6” post as well as freshman Clarke Overlander and junior Scotty Seiber. Sophomores Doug Fryer and Patrick Resch are contending for backup positions on the varsity this year.
The team could very well be called the “Road Warriors” this year as the schedule features road games at Alvarado, Stephenville and Ardmore, Oklahoma in addition to a tournament at Fairfield in central Texas. The home schedule has the Eagles hosting number one state ranked Burkburnett and defending state champion Kennedale – in the same week. Coach said of the schedule “We are excited about this season and the opportunities that are ahead. We have put together an extremely challenging schedule – the type of schedule that should have us more than ready for our district competition. “
The Eagles participated in a four-way scrimmage with Jesuit, Lewisville and Frisco Wakeland over the weekend, more than holding its own with the larger perennial play-off contenders.
The Eagles face Van Alstyne in the season opener.
More than ready indeed.
